THE DASHPOT Issue 81 Newsletter of the Association of Minemen Fall 2013

FROM THE PRESIDENT Gary Cleland Greetings from , The center of the US Navy’s mine world. WOW! I just returned from our 39th annual reunion held at Whidbey Island, WA. We all must tip our hats to and send our heart felt thanks to Toby Horn for putting together one heck of a reunion. For me personally, it was my fi rst visit to that part of the US. I have always heard it is beautiful in the Seattle/Puget Sound area. It is one of those things that have to be experienced to understand. The natural beauty combined with the excellent San Diego weather (just a touch of rain) I brought with me made for an indescribable experience. In addition to Toby planning an excellent gathering he was the MC and Keynote speaker. Toby delivered a reminiscent and captivating talk honoring the accomplishments of our Mine Force, past and present. Thanks again Toby. I had the pleasure of announcing the Selectees for our AOM sponsored MOY (Minemen of the Year) award. They are as follows: INSIDE THIS ISSUE Continued on page 4 Board of DIrectors ...... 2 Letter to the Membership ...... 15 From the Web Master ...... 3 From the Editor ...... 16 Secretary/AOM Minutes ...... 6 Taps ...... 17 40th Annual Reunion ...... 8 NMAWC COC Ceremony ...... 18 Active Duty Article ...... 9 Naval History ...... 23 Scholarship Committee ...... 11 Memberhip Application ...... Back page PRESIDENT Gary Cleland (11-14) BOARD OF DIRECTORS 12201 Sunrise Ct Th e Danny Epperly (12-14) Poway, CA 92064-2865 123 Yorkshire Dr. 858-748-3835 Association Yorktown, VA 23693 [email protected] 757-870-1376 [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT of Tracey Hays (11-14) Eddie Atkins (12-14) 114 Hidden Palms Blvd 117 Quart Meeting House Rd. Summerville, SC 29485 Minemen Williamsburg, VA 23188-1851 860-559-9724 757-565-3333 [email protected] [email protected]

SECRETARY/TREASURER Philip DeChene (13-15) Michael Femrite (11-Morte) 1827 Broadway Dr. PO Box 510519 Graham, NC 27253 Punta Gorda, FL 336-229-1951 850-207-9831 [email protected] [email protected] Warren Savage (13-15) PAST PRESIDENT dedicated to 10331 Settle Rd. Warren Savage serving the Santee, CA 92071 10331 Settle Road 619-258-1478 Santee, CA 92071 u.s. navy mine force [email protected] 619-258-1478 Th e Dashpot, [email protected] published quarterly, is the Tom Hoffman (13-15) newsletter of the 2266 East Hurd Rd. PARLIAMENTARIAN Monroe, MI 48162 Warren Savage Association of Minemen, 734-289-2279 10331 Settle Rd. a 501-C non profi t, non [email protected] Santee, CA 92071 political organization 619-258-1478 incorporated in the state of G. Paul Santa Maria (13-15) [email protected] 228 Kiwi Drive South Carolina with the Barefoot Bay, FL 32976 CHAPLAIN mission of perpetuating 772-664-7540 Robert Hart (12-13) knowledge of undersea mine [email protected] 1237 Patrick Hwy warfare and championing its DASHPOT EDITOR Hartsville, SC 29559-0882 necessity as one of [email protected] Don Healer America’s fi rst lines 5434 40th Ave N HISTORIAN of defense. St Petersburg, FL 33709 Jim Cernick 727-526-4109 2305 Westlake Circle S. [email protected] MEMBERSHIP COMMITTE (Chair) Ingleside, TX 78362 Derick S. Hartshorn (08-Morte) 361-22-3292 COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR 1204 4th Street Drive, SE [email protected] (web page & newsletter) Conover, NC 28613-1827 Derick S. Hartshorn (08-Morte) 2014 REUNION COMMITTEE 828-464-4981 1204 4th Street Drive, SE Richard “Dick” Schommer [email protected] Conover, NC 28613-1827 827 N. Aylesbury Drive 828-464-4981 YORKTOWN MUSEUM Goose Creek, SC 29445 [email protected] Position Vacant 843-797-3715 AOM HOMEPAGE [email protected] AOM STOREKEEPER http://minemen.org Tracey Hays (11-14) SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE (Chair) 114 Hidden Palms Blvd Ronald Glasen (12-Morte) Summerville, SC 29485 1114 Fran Lin Pkwy. 860-559-9724 Munster, IN 46321 [email protected] 219-838-6425 [email protected]

AOM FALL ISSUE 2 FROM THE WEBMASTER

When Phil DeChene turned over the web page to me, I never thought that I would be dealing with so many personalities. We have had 16 new members join AOM since the last Dashpot. Their names will appear on the appropriate e-mail lists but, until I can sort out their status, here they are: • Philip W. Adams, MNC (Ret), [email protected] • Harold Benton, MNCM (Ret), [email protected] • Robert K. Clubb, MNC (Ret), [email protected] (attended the reunion with his lovely wife) • Richard ‘Dick’ Cox, [email protected] • Terry Dunne, MN1 (Ret), [email protected] • Michael Gonzales, [email protected] (Mineman of the Year, 2002-03, a remarkable writer-see his contributions in this Dashpot) • Sandra Kent, LCDR (Ret), [email protected] (high fi ves to Laura for her accomplishments) • Donald,Kiper, MNCM (Ret), [email protected] • Daniel Lentz, MNC (Ret), [email protected] • Sherman B. MacCready, MN3, [email protected] (one of many MN3s who continue to have pride in their Mine Force service. • Victor E. Martin, [email protected] (talented artist who donated a marvelous art work to AOM for the scholarship auction) • Branden Nohrenberg, MN1 (Ret), [email protected] • Linda Phillips, [email protected] • Dale Smith, LCDR (Ret) [email protected]

AOM FALL ISSUE 3 Please take a moment and send an e-mail to these new AOM members and welcome them to the Navy’s most prestigious organization. With no known e-mail address, we welcome the following folks to AOM: • Joe A. Oszvart, LCDR (Ret) • Robert K.Bainbridge, MNCM (Ret) I continue to seek material for the AOM web page. If you have stories, pictures, accounts of your service in the Mine Force, please send them to me. Derick S. Hartshorn

FROM THE PRESIDENT PAGE 1 Active Duty (Sea) – MN1 (SW) David J Rojas of MCM crew Constant Active Duty (Shore) – MN1 (SW) Rebecca D Cross of Mine Warfare Training Center Reserve – MN1 Corie E Brice of Naval Reserve Mobile Mine Assembly Unit 3. Their biography’s are attached. Pictures of the MOY certifi cate and plaque presentations will be published in the next Dashpot. I will refer to Mike Femrite’s input as to the BOD elections and other business of the Membership as well as our Scolarship Chairman Ron Glasen. Early in April 2013, I was contacted by the Mine Warfare Training Center Chief’s Mess and asked to make an “Honorary Mineman” presentation to the outgoing MWTC Commanding Offi cer CDR Mark Scorgie at his change of command. CDR Scorgie was our guest speaker at the 2011 reunion in San Diego. Attached on the next page is a copy of that proclamation.

Gary Cleland. MOY bio’s continued on page 20

AOM FALL ISSUE 4

THE ASSOCIATION OF MINEMEN TAKES GREAT PLEASURE IN BESTOWING THE TITLE OF

HONORARY

MINEMAN

UPON

COMMANDER MARK A. SCORGIE

FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AS COMMANDING OFFICER OF MINE WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, SAN DIEGO. YOUR LEADERSHIP, VISION AND COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE LED TO THE SUCCESSFUL TRAINING OF MORE THAN 700 MINE WARFARE SAILORS. UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF THE FLEET, YOU MADE COUNTLESS IMPROVEMENTS TO MINEMAN ACCESSION TRAINING PROGRAMS AND INITIATED THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MUCH NEEDED STAFF OFFICER PLANNING COURSE. A DEDICATED MINE WARFARE EXPERT AND ADVOCATE FOR MINEMEN AROUND THE WORLD, YOU ARE MOST DESERVING OF THIS HONOR. YOU REPRESENT ALL MINEMEN, PAST AND PRESENT WITH HONOR AND PRIDE! IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR RANKS.

HOOYAH MINEMEN!

BESTOWED THIS DATE, 26 APRIL 2013

GARY L CLELAND, CWO4 USNR RET. ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

AOM FALL ISSUE 5 FROM THE SECRETARY/TREASURES DESK Hello to all, we have just returned from the reunion in Whidbey Island WA. What a beautiful state. I don’t think we could have asked for better weather. If you did not attend you missed a good one. The picnic was a great success; we sold many items for big bucks. Our total haul for the scholarship fund was $6,158. 00 We plan on making some High School Seniors very happy. I have to say again that you need to check your mailing label for the date of your dues renewal. This might be the last Dashpot you receive! I wish everyone a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year! See you in Charleston SC next October. Mike Femrite

ASSOCIATION OF MINEMEN Minutes of the meeting held on 05 October 2013 in Whidbey Island Washington The President called the meeting to order at 1400 hours. Minutes of the 2012 meeting were read and approved by membership. Treasures report was read and accepted by membership. Committee Reports: Mike Femrite reported that we have had 8 new members join the AOM this year. Ron Glasen read scholarship report: This year the AOM awarded 9 scholarships. The applicants for scholarships need to fi ll out all 4 pages completely and must be submitted no later than 1 May 2014. Applications not fully completed or not meeting the deadline will not be considered. Paul Santa gave a check for $1000.00 for the Paul and Myrtis Day Santa Maria Memorial Scholarship Fund. William Carlsen gave a check for $1000.00 for the Scholarship Fund.

AOM FALL ISSUE 6 New positions on the board are MNCM Tracey Hays is our new Store Keeper. Don Healer is our new Dashpot Editor. The name membership committee will be changed to communications coordinator, which will be headed by Derick Hartshorn. Derick is the Webmaster with assistance from Phil DeChene. Members in the arrears will receive notifi cation from Derick. New BOD: Tom Hoffman remains on the board, approved by membership. Paul Santa Maria replaces Robert Oltman, approved by membership. Bob Hart relieved Derick Hartshorn as Chaplain, approved by membership. MNCM Tracey Hays has taken the lead on the AOM Memorial Plaque for Washington DC Memorial. This year Bob Bainbridge and Leo Smith were awarded the COCC Award. Dick Schommer is becoming low on Clock Cocker Keys. If anyone has a small stock pile, he would like to get some from you. Please let him know. The Oldest AOM member at the reunion was Freid Reed, and the person who traveled the furthest was Ross Maddocks. This year’s winners of the Association of Minemen Award are: Shore: MN1(SW) Rebecca D. Cross (Mine Warfare Training Center). Sea: MN1(SW) David J. Rojas (MCM Crew Constant). Reserve: MN1 Corie E. Brice (Naval Reserve Mobile Mine Assembly Unit 3). Discussion on how the awards are delivered to the recipients. A Letter will be sent to the Command with the Award to be awarded to the Recipients. Dercik Hartshore stated that Constant Contact is not replacing the Dashpot. It is used to keep members up to date on news as it happens.

AOM FALL ISSUE 7 The Dashpot will continue to be mailed out quarterly. The rules of becoming a member have not change but the members do not want to continue using the Associate Member Status. Next Reunion: Dick Schommer reports it will be 6,7,8 October 2014 in Charleston SC. At the Town and Country Inn. Rooms will be $92.00, everything is set. Toby Horn has graciously opened his house for cocktails on Sunday night, 5 October. 2015 Reunion Site will be Reno Nevada. Mike Femrite with the help of Dick Schommer and Doug Guy will be making the arrangements. Respectfully Submitted By Michael Femrite Secretary 40th Annual Association of Minemen 2014 Reunion

CONTRIBUTED BY DICK SCHOMMER The 40th Annual AOM Reunion October 6-8, 2014 Taking place in Charles- ton, SC the best city to visit in the United States. You will notice that the dates are Monday-Tuesday-Wed, The room rates are good for three days prior and three days after the reunion. The reason for the week day schedule is better room rates plus we have designated rooms for the meetings etc. Town & Country Inn and Suites will be the reunion site, located at 2008 Savannah Highway. All functions will be held at the Inn. Rates are $92.00 single $92.00 for doubles. Tax is 13.5% The weather should be more agreeable, and I’m sure you will have a great time while you are here. Hope to see a majority of the membership next October. All other information will be forth coming in the 2014 spring issue of the DASHPOT. If you have any questions you can contact me at my email address ([email protected]) or by land line 843-797-3715. Hope you all have a Good Turkey Day, A Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

AOM FALL ISSUE 8 MIW 1 GOLD PAVING THE WAY AHEAD

BY AG1 NATHANIEL HARRIS, DET 2

The past year has seen many changes in the MCM World as it relates to the LCS MCM Detachments mission at sea. First and foremost, is the integration of miw 1 gold with crew 201 onboard uss independence (lcs 2). Having become a department on the ship, The Detachment has taken on new and exciting roles through this integration phase, sharing collateral duties, maintenance and watch standing duties both on and off hull. The integration has also become a part of the off hull cycle to train both crew 201 and The Detachment. miw 1 gold assisted uss independence (lcs 2) through PSA One before our off hull this year and after returning onboard, The Detachment completed Developmental Testing Phase 4 with the software and system engineers that drive the Remote Minehunting System (RMS) development and process improvements as we push forward and carve out the future of the Navy’s Mine Warfare Community. This testing event saw many benchmarks in the RMS Program including the longest recorded autonomous vehicle mission to date with Remote Multi Mission Vehicle 8 staying on task for more than 23 hours without any major loss of comms or mechanical failures of any kind.

AOM FALL ISSUE 9 This year The Detachment also said “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to both a Leader and a true Shipmate as we had the Honor and Privilege of planning and carrying out the retirement ceremony for MNC(SW) Abel Gonzales after 21 years of Active Duty Service. He will be missed but never forgotten for his Leadership, Mentorship and Friendship, as he begins the next phase of his life. MNC (RET) Abel Gonzales, we wish you all the best in everything you do.

“Th ere are, broadly speaking, two kinds of work- ers in the world, the people who do all the work, and the people who think they do all the work. Th e latter class is generally the busiest, the former never have time to be busy” ~ Stella Benson ~

AOM FALL ISSUE 10 Association of Minemen Scholarship Committee

CONTIBUTED BY RONALD GLASEN Your 2013 Scholarship Committee has approved 9 Scholarship Awards. Each Award is worth $750, for a total of $6,750 awarded this year. Our association really enjoys giving out these scholarship awards, but the money in our scholarship fund is not without limits. The Fund this year was smaller than last year and consequently our scholarship awards refl ected this dilemma. All of our applicants just graduated high school or are already in college. Either way, some of our applicants don’t seem to be able to follow instructions completing the scholarship application form. This seemingly indifference to the rules and instructions when fi lling out the application, and the shortage of scholarship funds, was taken into consideration by your committee when making our decisions for this year’s scholarship awards. This year we had 15 applications sent in. 6 Applications were rejected because they were incomplete. Of the 9 accepted applications, 5 were repeat award winners, and 4 were new applicants. 8 are undergraduate students, and 1 is a postgraduate student. Since 1996 the AOM has awarded 189 scholarship awards totaling $122,900. The committee of Curtis Christian, Robert Stancik, and myself Ronald Glasen want to thank you for your past support, and ask you to please continue to support the Scholarship Program with your generous donations, so we may continue the proud tradition of the AOM Scholarship Awards Program. In the future, the rules for completing an application must be strictly adhered to as they were written. These rules are published on the AOM Web Page. all four application pages are required ro be fully completed to qualify for

AOM FALL ISSUE 11 the scholarship award program. All applications must be submitted to the AOM secretary by May 1st as stated in the instructions. Failure to follow the rules will make the application incomplete and will not be considered for a scholarship award. Money is tight and we must use our scholarship fund money wisely.

AOM FALL ISSUE 12 AOM FALL ISSUE 13 AOM FALL ISSUE 14 An Open Letter to the Membership: Mineman Memories or just Junk in the Trunk?

BY RON SWART To one degree or another, I’m sure that we all have ‘stuff’ that we have saved from our Navy service. I could well be sliding towards the ‘hoarder’ side of the scale. My own collection started from my earliest days as a Mineman and continued right up until my recent second retirement. I have amassed numerous boxes of Navy and Mineman-related treasures: plaques, shadow boxes, mine parts, books, coffee cups, uniforms, ball caps, nick-knacks, newspaper articles, letters, memoranda and objects that have become physical reminders of sea stories retold over beers and BBQ. Others have entrusted their items to me for proper disposition and placement into a museum of some sort. Some of my collection is actually historical but most are just personal memories. I’ve dragged this ever-growing pile around from one duty-station to another (shipped as “Professional Files” of course) fully expecting that, at the end of the line, this treasure would fi nd a home where others could enjoy the objects and articles as much as I did. Although I am certain it has happened many times, I’m saddened by the story that someone found a pile of plaques, coffee cups and memories left on a curb after D.C. Wright’s death. Then there was the impressive collection left by Lyal Stryker when he passed and the duty to screen it all, fell to Toby Horn (who probably has his own collection). I admit to being far less than effective as a Museum representative to the AOM. The museums are picky about what they take aboard… most material must pass muster and be considered historical in a greater Navy or Naval Air context …and someone has to take care of it. Even if personal articles and mine displays make it aboard, there is no one to serve as a caretaker or curator/conservator to keep the story alive. Lacking support (or current relevance) the display eventually is moved to the back room or down to the bilges. So what about our history? How do we preserve our own legacy? There has to be a better way than passing all this on to our children, who often have little if any emotional connection to our “I love me” Mine Shop Plaque wall-of-glory. So in the end, most of our pass-down will be chucked into a pile after we pass on because there is nowhere to donate it. AOM FALL ISSUE 15 I don’t have a specifi c recommendation, but want to bring the subject into the open for discussion. Personal collections, however modest or grand, are not accessible to the greater membership, can’t be used for research, historical pass-down or to tell our story to those who follow. Today, the Navy has a large gap in its researchable knowledge base about Minemen and Naval Mines. With historical ebb and fl ow of interest or action for both mines and Minemen, we are forced to relearn lessons over and again. The AOM’s mission statement seems pretty clear to me. Let’s put our head’s together and take on the challenge. Keeping our history alive could be one of the most valuable contributions the Association of Mineman can make.

FROM THE EDITOR Well here’s another Dashpot, my second issue. I have not heard my name preceded by any derogatory adjectives concerning my work on the dashpot so things must be going OK. I’ve had several positive comments via dashpot email and it was mentioned at the reunion that the page numbers were a little too small, I fi xed that in this issue. If you ever have any comments concerning the Dashpot, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at [email protected], your comments are always welcome, put it in writing I say, and it will be fi xed. The hardest part is getting all these articles to fi t! Today I received an email from someone that said he/she had not received an AOM update since July and what’s up with that? The dates for submitting material are 1st of Oct, Dec, Mar, and Jun. If I don’t get the material on time, then the issue will be late, so please try to be as close to those dates as possible. I start assembling the Dashpot when I receive the fi rst article. With that said, I truly enjoy doing this service and look forward to the next issue! Regards, Don Healer

AOM FALL ISSUE 16 TAPS John Paul “Jack” Matous, 80, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2013 in Heron Cove in Gloucester. He was born in Blakely, Pa and was the son of the late John Jinx Matous and Angeline Anne Orazen Matous. He served in the US Navy during the then retired in 1988 after 37 years of service from the US Navy as an Electronic Technician. Jack was a member of Church of St. Therese in Gloucester and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose # 886 where he had received the Fellowship Degree and Pilgrim Degree of Merit. Beside his parents he was also preceded in death by his Brother-in-law Al Romanski, Sr. SEAFORD, VA - Ray Ivan Etheridge, 87, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2013. Ray was a native of Guernsey, WY and was a former resident of Gloucester before moving to the Peninsula in 1982. He retired as a LT. from the US Navy after 25 years. Serving during World War II, and . After retirement he worked in Naval Mine Engineering at Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown and was also a real estate agent. He was a former member and helped to build Apostle Lutheran Church in Gloucester, and was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Seaford. Ray is survived by his wife Frances; 3 sons Ivan Etheridge (Shari) of Gloucester, Ronnie Mills (Irene) of Seaford, Robbie Mills (Brenda) of Yorktown; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by special friends Ron and Brenda Pierce and Barbara Zeno. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Mills. Yolande Healer passed away at her home in Kelso Scotland on July 29, 2013. Yolande was married to Don Healer for 23 years.

AOM FALL ISSUE 17 NMAWC Conducts Change of Command Ceremony Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs, Oct 21

CONTRIBUTED BY RON SWART SAN DIEGO (NNS) – Commander, Naval Mine and Anti- Warfare Command (NMAWC) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) Oct 18. Rear Adm. William Merz relieved Rear Adm. Robert M. Hennegan, who retired following 33 years of honorable service. “Robert, you have invested your life into the Navy and into our country and I hope you will see it, as I do, a great and wise investment,” said Arnold Pinkston, keynote speaker and Hennegan’s personal friend. During his time as commander, Hennegan led efforts to ensure Navy- wide competency in the Mine Warfare (MIW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) mission areas. “This is my fi fth change of command and fi fth opportunity to lead such a terrifi c team and I feel very fortunate; it has been the highlight of my entire career from my early days on the USS Buffalo to today, here with this NMAWC team,” said Hennegan. Highlights from Hennegan’s career include serving in fl eet support positions on the staff of Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacifi c Fleet and at 16. He also served as the deputy chief of Legislative Affairs for the Navy, on the Department of Defense Transition Task Force in the Offi ce of the Secretary of Defense, and as the deputy commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike at U.S. Strategic Command. He most recently served as Commander, Submarine Group Nine. “Beyond these shores, the world is a very dangerous place and many of you have seen this fi rst hand,” said Merz. “NMAWC represents two of today’s most challenging warfare areas [mine and anti-submarine]. But fortunately this great challenge pulls together great talent, and this command is known for great talent.” AOM FALL ISSUE 18 Merz’s tours include USS Haddo (SSN 604), USS Proteus (AS 19), and USS Boise (SSN 764). Command assignments consisted of the deep submergence vessel Submarine NR-1, USS Memphis (SSN 691) and Submarine Development Squadron 12. He has deployed overseas nine times in support of operations in the Pacifi c Command (PACOM), European Command (EUCOM), Central Command (CENTCOM), and Africa Command (AFRICOM). Ashore, Merz conducted submarine design research in Carderock, Md., served on the Navy Staff (N8) and Joint Staff (J8) in the Pentagon, served as Special Assistant to the Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion at the Washington Navy Yard and most recently served as the Chief of Staff for Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. NMAWC’s mission includes providing mine warfare commander battle staff to support operational maritime component commanders in executing operational control of air, surface and underwater mine countermeasure forces. U.S. Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacifi c from the West Coast of North America to the international date line.

“There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer” ~ Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle ~

AOM FALL ISSUE 19 MINEMAN FIRST CLASS (SW/AW) REBECCA DEANNAH CROSS UNITED STATES NAVY Petty Offi cer Cross was born in San Bernardino, . She is the Daughter of retired Air Force Master Sergeant Ernest and Nancy Lisman. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida. Enlisting in the U. S. Navy July 2000 and reported for Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois where she was meritoriously promoted to Seaman. September 2000, she reported to Mineman “A” School Ingleside, Texas where she was the fi rst Mineman “A” School graduate to fi nish with a perfect score of 100 percent. As a result of her academic excellence she received orders to Mineman “C” School Ingleside, Texas and was awarded: Navy Enlisted Code (NEC) 1211 Versatile Exercise Mine System (VEMS) Operator/Maintenance. Her next assignment was to Mobile Mine Assembly Unit (MOMAU) Ten in Okinawa, from July 2001 - October 2004. She served as the VEMS and Mine Production Supervisor and as the Retail Ordnance Logistics Management System (ROLMS) Data Base Administrator. In addition, she deployed in support of numerous multi-national exercises with the navies of Japan, Korea, and . Petty Offi cer Cross was selected as the Junior Sailor of the Year for 2001, Senior Sailor of the Year for 2003. She was advanced to Third and Second Class Petty Offi cer during this assignment. Assigned next to Strike Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA 87) from October 2004 – October 2005 Virginia Beach, Virginia where she served as the Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Leading Petty Offi cer (LPO). She was awarded: Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) and NEC 2735 J Net Working Core, and deployed onboard the Aircraft Carrier USS ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). Her next assignment was to the Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC) CREW FORCE from February 2006 – March 2007 where she served onboard the USS RAVEN (MHC 61) forward deployed to Bahrain as the Weapons LPO. She was awarded: Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS), NEC 0812 Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor and 9595 Hazardous Material Coordinator. She was selected as MHC CREW FORCE’S Sailor of the

AOM FALL ISSUE 20 Year 2006. Her next assignment was to the High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 SWIFT Little Creek, Virginia from March 2007 – December 2007 where she served as the C4I LPO and was awarded: NEC 0342 Global Command and Control Systems Operator. She advanced to Petty Offi cer First Class during this assignment. She was hand selected to be the fi rst Mineman to be a Requisition Manager at AMMOLANT in Norfolk, VA where she managed annually $2 Billion dollars worth of ordnance for the Atlantic Fleet’s CVN, CG, DDG, and FFG platforms as well as all 6T cog underwater Ordnance. She was selected as sailor of the year for 2008 and 2011 as well as the NAVSUP Sailor of the Year for 2011. Petty Offi cer Cross is currently serving at the Mine Warfare Training Center as an Instructor and A School LPO since March 2012. Her personal awards include Two Naval Commendation Medals, 6 Naval Achievement Medals, three good conducts, two Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals, and numerous unit and campaign awards. In her career of 13 years she has been Sailor of the Year 7 times and Mineman of the Year 1 time.

MINEMAN FIRST CLASS CORIE EDWARD BRICE UNITED STATES NAVY (RESERVE) Mineman First Class Corie E. Brice was born and raised in New York, and attended high school in New Jersey. In July 1999, MN1 Brice entered the Navy Reserve, completing Mineman A School at the Mine Warfare training center in Ingleside Texas in August 2001. Initially assigned to the active component MOMAU 3, then MN3 Brice supported the unit’s decommissioning. During that time MN3 Brice received a Letter of Appreciation for his support through two Mine Readiness Certifi cation Inspections and also was selected JSOQ for Navy Reserve Center Earle NJ. MN1 Brice remained a drilling Mineman, contributing to the Mineman community through several realignments. Surviving the decommissioning of its active duty nameske, NR MOMAU 3 was realigned to support MOMAU 10 in Sigonella, Sicily. MOMAU 10 was decommissioned in 2005, and NR MOMAU 3 was then reassigned to MOMAU 11, since redesignated NMC CED Charleston. NR MOMAU 3 and MN1 Brice continue to support the AOM FALL ISSUE 21 mine shop at Charleston. MN1 Brice mobilized from 2011-2012 with NAVELSG FWD Mike Wave in Kuwait. While mobilized, MN1 Brice worked the night shift for the Tactical Operation Center in Headquarters for Arifjan, Kuwait. Since returning from mobilization MN1 Brice assumed duties as LPO and Assistant Career Counselor of NR MOMAU 3. In his civilian career, MN1 Brice is a longstanding postal employee. In 1992 MN1 Brice applied to be a carrier technician in the United States Post Offi ce and began working in Westfi eld, NJ post offi ce. He continues with the postal service as Assistant Supervisor with over 19 years’ experience.

MINEMAN FIRST CLASS (SW) David J. Rojas

First Class Petty Offi cer Rojas, a native of Highland Village, TX enlisted in the United States Navy in September 2001. Following completion of basic training at RTC, Great Lakes, IL he completed Undesignated Airman in Pensacola, Florida. Upon graduation, he reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 5 located in . While being undesignated, he struck for Operations Specialist. Upon completing Operation Specialists school, he then converted to Mineman in 2005. Where he reported to Mine Warfare Training Center Ingleside, Texas for Mineman “A” school where he completed AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralization System “C” school. While being on Crew Leader he advanced to Third Class 2006. In 2008 he volunteered for a one year IA Tour to Iraq for Land-based Phalanx Weapon System Operator. In 2009 he was meritoriously advanced to E-5 under the Command Advancement Program while serving in Iraq. Upon returning to Bahrain in 2009 after his IA Tour he earned is Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin while completing his tour with Crew Leader. In 2009, he transferred to MOMAU 8, which in turn became Naval Munitions Command East Asia Division Unit Guam. While stationed in Guam, he earned his Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal through dedicating time to the Big Brother program, Special Olympics, and clean up AOM FALL ISSUE 22 projects around Talofofo Elementary School. While assigned as Quality assurance inspector of Naval Munitions Command East Asia Division he was selected to travel to to oversee the movement of missile. While transitioning to MCM Crew Constant in 2012, he was advanced to Mineman First Class Petty Offi cer. Since arriving with MCM Crew Constant, MN1 Rojas received Sailor of the Quarter in 2013. Now back at sea, MN1 Rojas will be permanently be stationed on USS Sentry deploying to Bahrain where he will serve as Combat Leading Petty Offi cer. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various unit and campaign awards. MN1 Rojas is married to the former Rebecca Hammett. The USS Warrington Incident

BY MICHAEL GONZALES, JR, MNC (SW), RET When you are a soldier or even a pilot in battle, you see the targets that you aim at and sometimes even witness the result of your actions. Not so for the Navy Minemen that assembled the mines planted in Vietnam. Even though our fi ngerprints were still fresh on the mine cases, we were never present when the mine got its prey, whether it be friend or foe. This was not the case concerning the Navy , USS Warrington. We knew she hit two of our Mk 36 Destructors off the coast of Vietnam, on July 17, 1972. Investigations revealed pieces of Mk 82 general bomb casings imbedded in her hull. Mk 82 bombs were the 500 lb weapon that we converted into Mk 36 Destructors. Naive newspaper reporters speculated that it was a US mine that broke away from its “moorings.” But what actually happened was that the USS Warrington had disregarded messages warning them about the area used for jettisoning bombs and Destructors. Pilots returning to their carriers had been directed to release their un- expended pay-loads in the “Unarmed” confi guration, in the event that they had not been dropped on their targets. Evidently these two weapons were still armed. The interesting thing about this incident is that the components AOM FALL ISSUE 23 for these two Destructors, were more than likely processed by the crew (my crew) of building P-5, located in Naval Magazine Subic Bay, . Coincidences in life are sometimes discarded, as such; just coincidence. But as far as my life is concerned, I tend to take note when life goes full circle. As you read further you will discover the truth in that statement. Was it coincidence that I happened to be present when the Warrington was towed into the harbor, and I saw the gaping hole that our mines created? The irony being that I could have very likely handled the components of the weapons that caused that gaping hole. No Mineman, that I have ever met, can say that they have witnessed the result of their craft. But, I can. Two weeks after the USS Warrington incident, the USS Hollister also hit two more Destructors in another area of the . Although the damage to the USS Hollister was not extensive, the USS Warrington was not so lucky. Her damage was far worse and she was eventually decommissioned and scrapped. I extend my deepest apologies to the captain and crew of the US warship USS Warrington. As a tribute, the following is a short history of that ship and its brave crew: The USS Warrington (DD-383) was named after and commissioned at the New York Navy Yard on 9 February 1938. Lewis had been an offi cer in the Navy during the Barbary Wars and the . He also temporarily served as the Secretary of the Navy. A movie was made about her actions in WWII, starring, Walter Brennan. Unfortunately she was lost at sea during a hurricane with the loss of 348 offi cers and enlisted. Warrington’s name was stricken from the Registry of Naval vessels on 23 September 1944. Please take note: (Coincidently, September 23 is my birthday). The next ship to bear the name Warrington was commissioned USS Warrington DD-843, on 20 Dec 1945 and had a illustrious history during the Vietnam war. Her last mission before encountering the US underwater mines was on 15 July, as she briefl y pulled into port at Danang and then headed for the

AOM FALL ISSUE 24 coast of North Vietnam to participate in Operation “Linebacker.” On 16 July, she relieved Hamner (DD-718) of “Linebacker” duty and began her primary mission -- the destruction of North Vietnamese small craft and observation of communist Chinese merchant shipping. The following morning, while operating in company with Hull (DD-945) and Robinson (DDG-12), Warrington came under the rapid and heavy fi re of enemy shore batteries; but she took prompt evasive action and avoided damage. That same afternoon, however, luck abandoned her. At 1316, two underwater explosions close aboard her port side rocked the destroyer. She suffered severe damage in her after fi re room, after engine room, and in the main control room. Her crew rose to the occasion, and their efforts enabled her to retire from the area at 10 knots. Later, the damage forced her to shut down her propulsion plant and ask Robinson for a tow. Through the night of 17 and 18 July, her crew struggled against fl ooding caused by ruptured fuel oil and fresh water tanks, but she remained afl oat the next morning when Robinson turned her over to Reclaimer (ARS-42) for the fi rst leg of the trip to Subic Bay. Tawakoni (ATF-114) took over from Reclaimer on the 20th and towed Warrington safely into Subic Bay on the 24th. Throughout the six-day voyage, Warrington’s ship’s company worked magnifi cently to keep their ship afl oat. For a month after her arrival, Warrington received the special attention of the ship repair facility at Subic Bay to improve her habitability and insure watertight integrity. However, at the end of August, a board of inspection and survey found her to be unfi t for further naval service. Accordingly, on 23 September 1972, (the day of my 22nd birthday), 28 years to the day after her predecessor (USS Warrington (DD-383) was stricken from the Registry of Naval vessels, the USS Warrington DD-843 was decommissioned at Subic Bay and her name was once again stricken from the Registry of Naval vessels. On 24 April 1973, she was sold to the Navy for cannibalization and scrapping. Life does in fact go full circle. So was the fate of the USS Warrington (DD-843). To the brave crew off the USS Warrington (DD-843) I extend a hardy AOM FALL ISSUE 25 “Hoozah! May the memory of your gallant history remain in the hearts and minds of all that knew you. With deepest sympathy, Michael Gonzales, Jr., MNC (SW) U.S. Navy (Ret.) Sea Mines: the next generation

CONTRIBUTED BY RON SWART While it should come as no surprise to any of us who have served careers in our Navy’s Mine Warfare Force in any era, our mine stockpile is aging. Previous attempts over the past 20 years to fund improvements and new capabilities to keep pace with our potential adversaries have not been successful, for a variety of reasons. Now that the national defense focus is shifting from the long land wars in the Middle East to the vast Pacifi c region, there is renewed interest in the weapons that wait. The Offi ce of Naval Research has initiated a Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) effort to develop and adapt emerging technologies to the task of undersea weapon systems that can perform the mining mission and much more. Advance work has already begun on the Advanced Undersea Weapon System (AUWS) that has its offi cial start this Fiscal Year, FY-14 (starting 1 October 2013) and those of you who took the tour of NSWC City Division during last year’s reunion saw some of the new hardware. To understand the complexities of developing a new mine system that can meet the mission requirements of the future, it is helpful to remember the challenges that a mining mission faced in past confl icts: limited delivery capacity (every mission needs that aircraft or submarine for their mission at the same time as you do); challenging delivery environment (the enemy shoots at low-slow airplanes dropping mines); accurate placement (if they are shooting at your airplane, who knows where the mines will end up?); you can’t get them back once they’re laid (and our sweeps are left with a long hard mission to fi nd them and clean them up); if the enemy sweeps a passage through the fi eld, you need to re-plant the mines (and every ship, dhow or sampan the enemy sends into the minefi eld is a minesweeper).

AOM FALL ISSUE 26 Today’s technology can overcome all of these diffi cult challenges and even some that we haven’t experienced in the past. What will this new generation of sea mine look like? What capabilities will it have? The mission payoff statement for the war-fi ghter reads: “This capability provides operational commanders with clandestinely delivered, autonomous and remotely controlled, cost effective minefi elds. It will provide a tactically fl exible, asymmetric capability to deter and restrict the mobility and access of adversary forces that threaten our ability to maneuver at sea.” Here is a list of objectives for AUWS development: Autonomous and clandestine delivery and extraction Remote command and control Autonomous target detection and discrimination Assured ‘on-demand’ communications Low-power distributed sensing systems Intelligent mission planning So visualize an undersea mobile weapon delivery system with it’s own distributed sensor fi eld (like the spider’s web) with weapons that can be remotely ordered to become active or left behind to act autonomously (like today’s mines) or call home or return home when the threat is over. It may deploy with a variety of weapon options, from traditional mines, mini-torpedoes, rockets or even non-lethal weapons, depending upon the mission. Think of the operational fl exibility. That’s AUWS. NNextext DashpotDashpot ArticlesArticles DDueue 1 DecDec 20132013

AOM FALL ISSUE 27 Association of Minemen Non Profi t Org. P.O. Box 510519 U.S. Postage PAID Punta Gorda, FL 33951 Punta Gorda, FL NO. 270 Return Service Requested

NEXT ARTICLE DUE DATE IS 1 December 2013

NAME______RANK/RATE/CIVTITLE ______

STREET______DATE ______

CITY______TEL ______

STATE______ZIP______SIGNATURE ______

ELGIBILITY______APPROVED ______

Application fee $5.00 NOTICE: To maintain membership, dues of $15.00 must Annual Dues $15.00 be paid annually by the month of October. Th e dues expiration date is October in the year above your name on your mailing label. Mail Checks to: Association of Minemen P.O. Box 510519 Punta Gorda FL 33951